Geoffrey A. Smith

ONEONTA – Geoffrey Adams Smith, 75, passed away Friday, April 8, 2022, in Oneonta with his loving wife, Linda, by his side. He was born March 17, 1947, in Bayshore, NY, to Ian M. and Dorothy A. Smith.

The family moved to Oneonta when Geoff was eight. He attended Bugbee School and then Oneonta High School. While at OHS, Geoff wrestled and played tennis. He graduated in 1965, President of his Class. He then attended Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, where he studied Management Science, graduating with a BS in 1969. Geoff was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity.

After college, Geoff served in the National Guard and worked for Roadway Trucking Company in South Kearny, NJ. While working and living in New Jersey, Geoff met his future wife, Linda Lehmann, flight attendant for Eastern Airlines. They were married in Oneonta on July 15, 1972. They had two sons, Chad born in 1974, and Adam born in 1978.

In 1972, Geoff joined the ranks of Medical Coaches to live out Ian’s dream of providing specialized mobile units for the betterment of mankind. After the untimely passing of his dad, Geoff took over as President/CEO in 1976. He traveled the world to promote Medical Coaches products, providing more than 20,000 units to over 110 countries worldwide and all 50 States. He retired in 2018.

Geoff was very proud to call Oneonta his home. A pillar of the Oneonta community, Geoff was very active and involved in many clubs, organizations and boards, including the Oneonta Rotary Club, serving as President in 1974 and ultimately becoming a Paul Harris recipient. For years, he helped run the Oneonta Rotary Wrestling Tournament. Geoff was one of the founders of the OHS Alumni Association and the Future of Oneonta Foundation (FOF). He was a past President of the Oneonta Chamber of Commerce. Geoff was a Board Member of Preferred Mutual Insurance Company for 40 years. He also served on the Savings and Loan Board, the Wilber National Bank Board, the Fox Hospital Foundation Board, the Thomas A. Dooley Foundation Board and the Dewar Foundation Board. He was given several awards, including the OHS Wall of Distinction, Alumni of the Year, Citizen of the Year and Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.

Geoff enjoyed playing tennis, softball and racquetball in his early years. He was a lifelong fan of the NY Giants and Yankees. He was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling, golfing, fishing, playing cards and riding his Harley Davidson. He also enjoyed taking photographs of his family and the places he visited. He loved to cook his famous "Smitty Steaks" on the grill for friends and family while sipping wine, telling stories and enjoying a nice cigar. Geoff always had a friendly wave, a big smile, a funny joke or a warm hug to share. Being a people person, he had the gift of warmly connecting with anyone he happened to meet.

Geoff is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda; son, Chad (Corinne) Smith; two grandchildren, Claire and Clark Smith, all of Oneonta; three sisters, Patricia (Dr. John) Hopper, Rockport, TX; Sandi (Al) Collins, Centreville, MD; and Nancy Smith (Dr. Gerhard Hermann), Munich, Germany; one brother, Brian Smith (Kristen Costello), Evergreen, CO; as well as several beloved nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Ian, and mother, Dorothy, and his son, Adam Ian Smith.

A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, 10:00 AM, at the First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, with the Rev. Marti Swords-Horrell officiating. A private burial service for the family will be held at Glenwood Cemetery, Oneonta.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Oneonta Rotary Fund, PO Box 1122, Oneonta, NY 13820; the Future for Oneonta Foundation, Inc., 31 Maple Street, Oneonta, NY 13820; the OHS Alumni Association, 5001 State Highway 23, Oneonta, NY 13820; or the Dooley Intermed Foundation, PO Box 750918; Forest Hills, NY 11375.

To send the family an online condolence please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com